Abstract
This capstone research project is a cumulation of two years of intensive research and an investigative trip to China. During the course of two years the researcher interviewed government officials from China, Greece and the United States about cultural and economic relations between China and Greece and the broader geopolitical implications.
The research provides overview on a the Chinese the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a revitalization of the ancient Silk Road. As well as background information about Greek relations with the European Union. The conclusion discusses the implications Greek-Chinese ties have for the EU and United States concerning global trade, geopolitics and cultural diplomacy.
The research was conducted by a master of arts candidate, Hunter B. Martin, at American University.
This capstone research project is a cumulation of two years of intensive research and an investigative trip to China. During the course of two years the researcher interviewed government officials from China, Greece and the United States about cultural and economic relations between China and Greece and the broader geopolitical implications.
The research provides overview on a the Chinese the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a revitalization of the ancient Silk Road. As well as background information about Greek relations with the European Union. The conclusion discusses the implications Greek-Chinese ties have for the EU and United States concerning global trade, geopolitics and cultural diplomacy.
The research was conducted by a master of arts candidate, Hunter B. Martin, at American University.
Introduction
For the past decade China has been developing economic and cultural relations with strategic partners around the world through an infrastructure and development called the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A common narrative China has used in developing its economic potential is presenting China as a re-emerging power. This idea ties modern land and maritime development projects to historical Silk Road trade routes. Chinese messaging around BRI reflect the success of international trade routes along the ancient Silk Road in spreading not only economic wealth throughout the region but also culture and wisdom.
BRI’s ambitious plan seeks to build a framework of roads, airports, railways, shipyards, power grids, telephone lines, fax and Internet services, pipelines, industrial parks, ports and tourism through mutually beneficial economic relationships with participating states. China is no longer an isolationist country and the nation collaborates frequently on an international scale in politics, trade, and tourism, the government of China prefers to maintain control over the culture and knowledge of the majority of its population so as to provide a united front to the rest of the world.
However, BRI is hotly contested by many European nations and the United States who view the project as predatory lending with economically vulnerable nations. In particular, the European Union (EU). China and the majority of BRI participating countries, have one-side economic relationships. Many partner nations receive an influx of desperately needed cash to support economic sustainability while China receives a range of benefits from trade to tourism to geopolitical support.
The “dragon’s head” of BRI is Piraeus Port, in Athens, Greece. China now owns controlling interests in Piraeus and the port is on its way to becoming the largest in Europe. It's important to note that through Piraeus and railways its built in Greece, China has direct access to mainland EU. The EU is China’s second largest market; whereas the EU has struggled to break into Chinese markets. Another major concern with BRI.
The implications of Greece allying with China are economical and political. The power of the EU comes from member states standing together. The EU’s united front against China is in jeopardy because of the economic relationship with Greece. Greece has previously blocked EU condemnations of human rights violations sparking fears that China’s historically poor human rights record and labor standards will be exported. Similarly, Hungry, another BRI nation, has stood with Greece and blocked political threats against China. This is of increasing concern for the EU. With Brexit and the US pulling away from the global stage, the EU is desperate to present a united front.
Greece is in a position to capitalize on increased respect from the EU while continuing to support a close relationship with China. This Greek-Chinese relationship has been developing for at least a decade; when Greece’s economy collapsed during the 2008 global recession and Europeans were pulling out, Chinese investors filled the void. The lack of support from the EU and harsh austerity measures accompanying bailouts, has further driven a wedge between Greece and the EU. Since taking office, the French President, Macron, has taken note of this fracture and has encouraged EU member states to invest in Greece. Even as Greece slowly recovers, many European investors are still wary to trust in the Greek economy.
Instead, Greece has focused its efforts on promoting financial ties with China, not only through the government, but also Chinese entrepreneurs by developing a lengthy visa program for investors with $250 thousand dollars. Investments such as these might be bringing money into the Greek economy, they’re also causing issues such as rent spikes and an affordable housing for Greece’s youth, many of whom are still unemployed or underemployed after years or high levels of youth unemployment. Greek business owners and entrepreneurs are also having a difficult time finding European investors willing to trust Greek markets due to perceptions of continued instability. Greek-Chinese relations are not only economical. China has invested heavily in cultural diplomacy through heritage festivals, museum exchanges and increasingly high levels of tourism. Greece’s main sectors of the economy are shipping and tourism.
With the turmoil of Brexit fracturing the EU and the US pulling away from the global stage, China is making strides to become a global power. Only time will tell if BRI partner nations will benefit from Chinese infrastructure investments. But as history has already shown, China’s passion and commitment to massive undertakings has paid off before. However, if BRI were to fail, it could put Greece’s economy stability in jeopardy. Without Chinese support for the Port of Piraeus or Chinese tourists, it is unclear if the EU would be able to come to a united position to support Greece through another economic crisis.
For the past decade China has been developing economic and cultural relations with strategic partners around the world through an infrastructure and development called the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A common narrative China has used in developing its economic potential is presenting China as a re-emerging power. This idea ties modern land and maritime development projects to historical Silk Road trade routes. Chinese messaging around BRI reflect the success of international trade routes along the ancient Silk Road in spreading not only economic wealth throughout the region but also culture and wisdom.
BRI’s ambitious plan seeks to build a framework of roads, airports, railways, shipyards, power grids, telephone lines, fax and Internet services, pipelines, industrial parks, ports and tourism through mutually beneficial economic relationships with participating states. China is no longer an isolationist country and the nation collaborates frequently on an international scale in politics, trade, and tourism, the government of China prefers to maintain control over the culture and knowledge of the majority of its population so as to provide a united front to the rest of the world.
However, BRI is hotly contested by many European nations and the United States who view the project as predatory lending with economically vulnerable nations. In particular, the European Union (EU). China and the majority of BRI participating countries, have one-side economic relationships. Many partner nations receive an influx of desperately needed cash to support economic sustainability while China receives a range of benefits from trade to tourism to geopolitical support.
The “dragon’s head” of BRI is Piraeus Port, in Athens, Greece. China now owns controlling interests in Piraeus and the port is on its way to becoming the largest in Europe. It's important to note that through Piraeus and railways its built in Greece, China has direct access to mainland EU. The EU is China’s second largest market; whereas the EU has struggled to break into Chinese markets. Another major concern with BRI.
The implications of Greece allying with China are economical and political. The power of the EU comes from member states standing together. The EU’s united front against China is in jeopardy because of the economic relationship with Greece. Greece has previously blocked EU condemnations of human rights violations sparking fears that China’s historically poor human rights record and labor standards will be exported. Similarly, Hungry, another BRI nation, has stood with Greece and blocked political threats against China. This is of increasing concern for the EU. With Brexit and the US pulling away from the global stage, the EU is desperate to present a united front.
Greece is in a position to capitalize on increased respect from the EU while continuing to support a close relationship with China. This Greek-Chinese relationship has been developing for at least a decade; when Greece’s economy collapsed during the 2008 global recession and Europeans were pulling out, Chinese investors filled the void. The lack of support from the EU and harsh austerity measures accompanying bailouts, has further driven a wedge between Greece and the EU. Since taking office, the French President, Macron, has taken note of this fracture and has encouraged EU member states to invest in Greece. Even as Greece slowly recovers, many European investors are still wary to trust in the Greek economy.
Instead, Greece has focused its efforts on promoting financial ties with China, not only through the government, but also Chinese entrepreneurs by developing a lengthy visa program for investors with $250 thousand dollars. Investments such as these might be bringing money into the Greek economy, they’re also causing issues such as rent spikes and an affordable housing for Greece’s youth, many of whom are still unemployed or underemployed after years or high levels of youth unemployment. Greek business owners and entrepreneurs are also having a difficult time finding European investors willing to trust Greek markets due to perceptions of continued instability. Greek-Chinese relations are not only economical. China has invested heavily in cultural diplomacy through heritage festivals, museum exchanges and increasingly high levels of tourism. Greece’s main sectors of the economy are shipping and tourism.
With the turmoil of Brexit fracturing the EU and the US pulling away from the global stage, China is making strides to become a global power. Only time will tell if BRI partner nations will benefit from Chinese infrastructure investments. But as history has already shown, China’s passion and commitment to massive undertakings has paid off before. However, if BRI were to fail, it could put Greece’s economy stability in jeopardy. Without Chinese support for the Port of Piraeus or Chinese tourists, it is unclear if the EU would be able to come to a united position to support Greece through another economic crisis.
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